TIME HAS COME TO GIVE A PUSH TO
PROPOSALS FOR INTERLINKING OF RIVERS: VICE PRESIDENT
INDIRA
GANDHI PARYAVARAN AWARDS PRESENTED
The Vice President,
Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has said that time has now come for
giving a push to long pending proposals for interlinking of rivers.
Addressing a distinguished gathering on the occasion of the World
Environment Day here today, he said ensuring people’s cooperation,
support and acceptance would be critical to the successful implementation
of the river linking projects.
Referring to this
year’s theme `Water – Two Billion people are dying for it’ Shri
Shekhawat expressed his serious concern about the scarcity in
the availability of drinking water in several states, especially
in Rajasthan. He said that water conservation projects, particularly
for conservation of ground water, have to receive high priority.
The Vice President
said our population today has exceeded far beyond the threshold
limits of the support systems. Protection of environment cannot
take place in the face of unsustainable population growth and
growing poverty.
The Union Minister
for Environment and Forests, Shri T.R. Baalu who presided over
the function said that our country has traveled a long way on
the path of progress and industrialization to achieve better quality
of life. However, we have not taken into account the adverse impact
on nature and environment. He said that development and environment
must go hand in hand. Sustainable development is the new paradigm,
Mr Baalu said.
Renowned scientist,
Prof. Yashpal who delivered the keynote address on the occasion
said that environment is not merely physical. He said that environment
has got mental and cultural dimensions. While the physical environment
depends upon guarding the biological diversity of the planet,
the mental environment requires that we also treasure cultural
diversity.
The Vice President
gave away the national level environment awards. The Indira Gandhi
Paryavaran Puraskar, 1998 (individual category) was awarded to
Jagdish Ranganath Godbole (posthumously) for his distinguished
work in the core area of Western Ghats for protection and conservation
of environment. His daughter, Ms. Girija Godbole received the
award on behalf of the noted environmentalist.
The Indira Gandhi
Paryavaran Puraskar, 1998 (organisation category) was awarded
to Barefoot College of Social Work Research Centre, Tilonia, Rajasthan
in recognition of its outstanding contribution on environmental
education, conservation, management and research programmes for
the benefit of the local community. Mrs. Norati Devi received
the award on behalf of the organisation.
The Indira Gandhi
Paryavaran Puraskar, 1999 (individual category) was awarded to
Shri Piare Lal in recognition of his contribution to conservation
of natural forests, reclamation of degraded forest land and protection
of environment.
The Indira Gandhi
Paryavaran Puraskar, 1999 (organisation category) was awarded
to Ryan Foundation of Mumbai for its support activity through
which it has been able to create extensive environmental awareness
and protection.
The National Award
for Prevention of Pollution for 2002-03 in cement sector was given
to M/s. Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd., Ropar, Punjab in recognition
of their contribution to cleaner production. The same award in
the tannery sector went to M/s. Tata International Ltd., Dewas.
In the Textile Dyeing sector , the award went to M/s. Chemtech
Processors, Kanchipuram, Thirupur, Tamil Nadu; while in the Thermal
sector, the award was given to Indian Aluminium Company Ltd.,
Hirakud Power. Indian Aluminium Company, Hirakud was also awarded
the Rajiv Gandhi Environment Award for clean technology for the
year 2002-03 in recognition of their achievements in the field
of captive power generation by adopting cleaner and greener technologies.
The Vice President
gave away awards to many children who had shown their talents
in writing essays, designing posters, writing poems and nature
photography at national level competitions held in connection
with the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg.
Over 19,000 schools from all over the country participated in
these competitions. The Young Environmentalist Award went to Lovleena
Bansal. Awards were also given for best original writing in Hindi
on environmental issues.
The Vice President
launched a new website (www.envis.nic.in)
on environmental information system. It is one of the largest
portals on environmental information in the world today.
Shri Shekhawat released
a set of new publications brought out by the National Museum of
Natural History, which completed 25 years of its mission to promote
environmental awareness. The Vice President also released an interactive
computer CD on enviro-games brought out by the Ministry of Environment
& Forests in association with Hriday Shan and World Health
Organisation.
